It’s unknown if demonstrating responsible handling actually keeps kids safe.

  • fine_sandy_bottom@lemmy.federate.cc
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    3 months ago

    The study, conducted by gun violence researchers at Rutgers University, analyzed survey responses from 870 gun-owning parents. Of those, the parents who responded that they demonstrated proper handling to their child or teen, had their kid practice safe handling under supervision, and/or taught their kid how to shoot a firearm were more likely than other gun-owning parents to keep at least one gun unsecured—that is, unlocked and loaded. In fact, each of the three responses carried at least double the odds of the parent having an unlocked, loaded gun around, the study found.

    This doesn’t sound that surprising when you consider that it’s survey based research.

    It sounds like the dunning kruger effect, as in ask gun owners whether they demonstrate safe handling to their kid and everyone will just say yes. What did that demonstration involve though, and did anyone actually learn anything.

    I think the survey results are good evidence that whatever these parents consider a demonstration is inadequate.